Pneumatic crutch pad



C. M. FALLON PNEUMATIC CRUTCH PAD Filed Jan. 29

Nov. 6, 1934..

INVENTOR. CARf/VCN. FAUON ATToINEY. v

Patented Nov. 6, 1934 PNEUIVIATIC CRUTCH PAD 7 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved pad or cushion construction whichis attachable to the upper end of a crutch to protect the arms of crutchusers adjacent to the arm pits.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved pneumatic cushionof the character stated, thus aifording a very soft and comfortablemeans to contact with the portion of the arms which engage thecross-piece of the crutch. OW- ing to the fact that crutch-users areusually aged persons or else persons aiicted with feeble or impairedhealth, it is very important that the pads or cushions which surmounttheir crutches be of a particularly soft and yielding character. At thesame time, however, it is essential that a durable and strong characterof cushion or pad be provided for the purpose stated, because of theconsiderable portion of the weight of the body which it is required tosustain.

By this invention there is provided a strong, dependable crutch cushionwhich may be relied upon to sustain the required weight, and yet onewhich will be very soft and comfortable, and which will therefore begreatly appreciated by 25VA the infirm, crippled persons who Willhaveoccasion to use the invention.

Other objects, advantages and features of invention may hereinafterappear.

Referring to the accompanying drawing, which Aillustrates what is atpresent deemed to be a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the cushion separately shown, a portionof the outer cover thereof being broken away; Fig. 2 is a side elevationof the structure shown in Fig. 1, with the addition of a portion of theupper end of the crutch staff; Fig. 3 is a cross section on line 3-3 ofFig. 2; Fig. 4 is a sectional detail taken on line 4--4 of Fig. 2; Fig.5 is a section similar to Fig. is except that a modification of the airsac is shown.

Referring in detail to the drawing, the crosspiece of the crutchconsists of two cooperating concave-convex plates '7 which serve asclamping elements gripping between them opposite overlying edge portions8 of the air-tight sheet ma terial of the air sac 9. Said plates may bemade of hard wood, metal or other preferred materials, and are shownsecured together by means of fg. Vcountersunk screw bolts 10. When theform of air sac shown in Fig. 4 is used a suitable adhesive coating maybe applied to the contacting surfaces of the edge portions 8 tosafe-guard against air leakage.

' As indicated in Fig. 2, the cross piece of the crutch is provided witha pair of downwardly`v opening sockets into which are fitted the staffpins 12 that project from the upper ends of the staff arms 13. Midwaybetween these sockets is shown the stem 14 of an air valve, said stembeing in any suitable manner connected with the air chamber of thecushion in order to provide for the ination of the air sac which formsthe cushion.

'Ihe inner wall of the cushion 9 is preferably made of sheet rubber, asilk outer covering 15 being desirably provided therefor to prevent theperspiration of the person using the crutches from moistening therubber.

The side portions of the sheet rubber of the air sac are made somewhatthicker than their top` and bottom portions, in order that the strengthmay be greatest where the Weight borne causes the greatest amount offlexion. This is indicated clearly in Fig. 3.

In Fig. 5 is shown a modification wherein the inner air sac 16 isconstructed as a continuous envelope, the folded portion 17 thereofbeing continuous along its edge 18.

I claim:

1. The combination, with a crutch having a longitudinally splitcross-piece; of a pneumatic cushion mounted upon said cross-piece, amarginal portion of said cushion being gripped between the two parts ofsaid cross-piece.

2. A cross-piece consisting of two semi-circular marginal frame membersbolted together, and an inflated member fastened between and filling theopen space bounded by said members, said crosspiece being attachable toa staff and said inated member being engageable with and conforming tothe arm pit.

3. A cross-piece comprising two semi-circular marginal frame members, asemi-circular pad having its peripheral boundary secured to saidmembers, said pad being inatable, and an intake means whereby to inflatesaid pad.

4. A crutch part consisting of two semi-circular marginal frame members,a semi-circular inatable cushion having an area substantially equal tothe area occupied by said frame members, means to clamp said cushionbetween said members, and intake means whereby to inflate said cushion,said crutch part being provided with sockets engageable with a staff.

5. A pneumatic crutch pad comprising a pair of semi-circularcross-pieces, and a semi-circular inflatable sac fastened between saidcross-pieces.

6. A pneumatic crutch -pad consisting of a ES PAT-Eur orric l:

a plurality ofV similarly curved elongated ,plates secured together in aflatwise manner, a pneumatic cushion member consisting of a sheet ofair-tight material having curved opposite edge portions which aresuperimposed upon each other and are clamped in an air-tight mannerbetween said plates, and an air supply connection to afford means forinitiating said cushion.

CLARENCE M. FALLON.

